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In a dystopian future, an undercover narcotics agent struggles with drug addiction while attempting to infiltrate a drug ring. The blurring lines between his real identity and his assumed persona lead to a descent into paranoia and a questioning of reality. Combining live-action and animation, this darkly comedic adaptation of Philip K. Dick's semi-autobiographical novel explores themes of surveillance, deception, and the fragility of the human mind in a haunting vision of America.

In a dystopian future, an undercover narcotics agent struggles with drug addiction while attempting to infiltrate a drug ring. The blurring lines between his real identity and his assumed persona lead to a descent into paranoia and a questioning of reality. Combining live-action and animation, this darkly comedic adaptation of Philip K. Dick's semi-autobiographical novel explores themes of surveillance, deception, and the fragility of the human mind in a haunting vision of America.

Does A Scanner Darkly have end credit scenes?

No!

A Scanner Darkly does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of A Scanner Darkly

Explore the complete cast of A Scanner Darkly, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for A Scanner Darkly

See how A Scanner Darkly is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where A Scanner Darkly stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

73

Metascore

7.1

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

68%

TOMATOMETER

review

74%

User Score

IMDb

7.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

68

%

User Score

Take the Ultimate A Scanner Darkly Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of A Scanner Darkly with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


A Scanner Darkly Quiz: Test your knowledge of the complex and surreal world of 'A Scanner Darkly' and its characters.

What substance ravaged the country in 'A Scanner Darkly'?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for A Scanner Darkly

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Read the complete plot summary of A Scanner Darkly, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


The United States has succumbed to the war on drugs, with Substance D, a potent drug inducing surreal hallucinations, now rampant throughout the nation. Alarmingly, an estimated 20% of the population is ensnared by addiction. In a desperate bid to regain control, the government has rolled out an invasive and sophisticated surveillance network, deploying undercover agents and informants to combat the escalating crisis.

Manufactured from a rare blue flower that flourishes in select environments, Substance D has become a tool of devastation, with only New-path providing support to those grappling with addiction. Among those dedicated to infiltrating the drug underworld is Bob Arctor, played by Keanu Reeves. Assigned to blend into the underbelly of drug culture, Arctor envisions a traditional family life in Anaheim, California, filled with hopes of a wife and two children. Yet reality tells a different story, as he cohabitates with Luckman (Woody Harrelson) and Barris, two substance-abusing layabouts.

The trio spends their days trapped in the haze of Substance D, engaging in intricate discussions that veer into the realm of paranoia. To preserve his anonymity while navigating this dangerous world, Arctor dons a “scramble suit,” a high-tech disguise that alters his appearance and voice, rendering him invisible to facial and voice recognition technologies. Within this convoluted setup, he is known only by his alias, “Fred.” His superior officer, Hank, along with other operatives, similarly utilizes scramble suits, creating a web of hidden identities amongst the ranks.

As the operation unfolds, Arctor’s own addiction to Substance D deepens, leading him to purchase increasing amounts from Donna, whom he longs to persuade into revealing her supplier. Their relationship oscillates between tension and tenderness, though she remains resolute against physical intimacy. Charles Freck (Rory Cochrane), a close friend of Barris, complicates matters further by voicing his reluctance to enter New-Path rehabilitation, having heard unsettling rumors.

Beneath the surface, however, surveillance on Arctor intensifies, as Hank instructs “Fred” to scrutinize his actions closely. In a cruel twist, Arctor’s home becomes the focal point of an investigation, with hidden cameras monitoring every movement. The weight of his dual life begins to take a toll, revealing cognitive impairments due to prolonged drug use, assessed through rigorous medical evaluations. Meanwhile, Barris, unbeknownst to Arctor, feeds information to Hank, claiming that Arctor poses a threat.

A devastating turn occurs when Arctor witnesses Luckman’s incapacitation from drugs, an event that Barris coldly ignores. Tragedy strikes when Freck succumbs to his hallucinations, taking his own life in despair.

As Arctor’s condition deteriorates, it becomes starkly apparent that Substance D has irreparably damaged his brain. Bewildered by the police’s interest in his movements, he speculates about larger, covert activities at play. In a moment of revelation, Hank confesses to “Fred” that she has always known his true identity as Arctor. Confronted with the harsh truth, he repeats his name in disorientation. Hank discloses that the surveillance operation’s primary target is Barris, aiming to destabilize him into confessing.

Facing serious ramifications for his spiraling addiction, Hank informs Arctor that he will face disciplinary action. This is a prelude to revealing Donna’s true identity as Audrey, who is secretly working alongside the police. At New-Path, Arctor grapples with the sobering reality that the rehabilitation facility is intertwined with the distribution of Substance D.

Audrey and Mike (Dameon Clarke) engage in a philosophical debate about their role in Arctor’s downfall; they had effectively orchestrated his addiction to later expose the insidious workings of New-Path.

Eventually, Arctor finds himself assigned to a labor camp, a bleak existence where he performs menial tasks, mechanically echoing the words of those around him. In the fields, while tending to corn crops, he stumbles upon concealed rows of the very blue flowers responsible for his plight. Determined to retain a fragment of hope, he tucks one flower into his boot, vowing to share it with his friends during his next fleeting moment of freedom.

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Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for A Scanner Darkly

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from A Scanner Darkly. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Original Theatrical Trailer

Original Theatrical Teaser Trailer

Cars Featured in A Scanner Darkly

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Explore all cars featured in A Scanner Darkly, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Cadillac

1964

Fleetwood 60 Special

Chevrolet

1981

Impala

Chevrolet

2001

Impala

Dodge

1996

Caravan

Ford

1993

Crown Victoria

Ford

1995

Crown Victoria

Ford

1999

E-350

Ford

2003

E-350

Ford

2002

Explorer

Ford

2000

F-Series Super Duty

A Scanner Darkly Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


covered in bugsfictional drugdrugsrotoscopinglodge meetingwashing a dogcollie dogintroductionman in a showerpsychotronic filmdownward spiralundercover agentman wears eyeglassesalternate realityadult animationlawnmowerfemale police officersuburbfor grown ups animationmature animationfemale rear nudityfemale full frontal nuditybare chested manconvertible carbearded mansportscaridentitysubstance dundercoversacrificecode namenear futuredrug usercaliforniacorporationschizophrenicdetectiveundercover copfast motion scenephilosophylabor campmoral dilemmadrug manufacturersmoke ringlocker roombrainwashingsocial commentaryfalse namedouble crossfalse accusation

A Scanner Darkly Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for A Scanner Darkly across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Una mirada a la oscuridad Scanner Darkly A Neižvelgiamas pasaulis Viziuni întunecate Temacno zrcalo A Scanner Darkly: Una mirada a la oscuridad 黑暗掃描儀 Karanlığı Taramak A Scanner Darkly - Un oscuro scrutare A Scanner Darkly - Der dunkle Schirm Помутнение A Scanner Darkly - O Homem Duplo A Scanner Darkly (Una mirada en la oscuridad) Temný obraz Przez ciemne zwierciadło 黑暗扫描仪 Kamera által homályosan Камера потъмняла סורק אפלה O Homem Duplo Mračni skener Replikator Hämärän vartija Läbi hägu 스캐너 다클리 Затьмарення 心機掃描 世紀毒殺網絡 スキャナー・ダークリー สแกนเนอร์ ดาร์คลี่ A scanner darkly

Articles, Reviews & Explainers About A Scanner Darkly

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